Chicago — Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) has signed on as an Alliance Partner with Industrial Careers Pathway® (ICP) effective Jan. 1. Officially founded in 2003, through the consolidation of North American Heating, Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Wholesalers (NHRAW) and Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Wholesalers International (ARWI), HARDI represents more than 475 wholesale companies (including 17 international companies), more than 300 manufacturing associates, and nearly 140 manufacturer representatives. It is estimated that HARDI members represent 80 percent of the dollar value of the HVACR products sold through distribution.

“HARDI members say that identifying and sourcing talent is one of the number one problems keeping them up at night," said Emily Saving, vice president, Professional & Program Development, HARDI. "How do they compete for talent with larger, more consumer-facing companies?  We see ICP as a big part of the answer. This alliance lets us pool resources with similar organizations, enhance the visibility of our industries, and ultimately allow our members to ‘reach’ some of the brightest talent out there.  We are excited to become Alliance Partners and use this platform to connect high-quality job seekers to the many great career opportunities in HVACR distribution.”

In addition to providing visibility about entry-level careers in industrial distribution, ICP develops and delivers useful programs, services, and tools to help industrial distributors recruit, on-board, hire, manage, train, and retain entry-level employees. As an example, ICP’s Elements of Industrial Distribution online course introduces new employees to the overall structure of industrial distribution so s/he can understand how industrial distribution fits into the overall, global economic landscape and be exposed to the various business models that exist in the industry.

ICP is a multifaceted North American workforce initiative supported by an alliance of industry associations including American Supply Association, Heating Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International, Industrial Supply Association Education Foundation, National Association of Chemical Distributors, National Association of Electrical Distributors Education & Research Foundation, NAHAD — The Association for Hose & Accessories Distribution, NIBA — The Belting Association, North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA), and PTDA Foundation. ICP links students and job seekers to career paths in industrial distribution and manufacturing through partnerships with local educators and employers. For more information, visit www.industrialcareerspathway.org/Hire.